Interesting Reading for Women over 50

Hair Loss in Women at or Over 50

 

 

Whether a woman believes reaching menopause is something to be happy or sad about, many start experiencing hair thinning where hair is wanted, and hair growth where it is not; one of life’s little jokes. Though finding a way to laugh about it helps, it is a problem that negatively affects women’s self-esteem and emotional well-being.

 

But, before going deeper into the role of menopause and aging in hair loss, here is a brief look at alopecia. Although it can begin anytime after puberty, alopecia is a common form of hair loss after 50.

 

Alopecia: Two Types

Alopecia areata affects about 5 million people in the United States. This type of hair loss is considered an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system attacks its very own hair follicles. Other onset factors include a person’s genetic makeup, other illness, pregnancy, and stress.

 

The first sign of alopecia areata is typically a small, round, and smooth patch of baldness on the scalp. Those with alopecia areata eventually experience complete baldness, or alopecia totalis. Others may lose hair over their entire body, called alopecia universalis. The course of alopecia areata is unpredictable, and hair may grow back only to fall out again.

Androgenic alopecia refers here to the female version of male pattern baldness. It has been linked to an inherited sensitivity to the male sex hormone, androgen. Women may experience diffuse hair thinning over their entire scalp instead of the actual baldness that develops in men.

Menopause and After

At menopause, your estrogen and progesterone levels drop, and this seems to be responsible, or partly so, for hair thinning (and that cheeky peach fuzz that seems to appear overnight). Other factors related to hair loss are high levels of stress, illness, hormonal imbalances, harsh hair products, and a genetic disposition.

 

Blood-sugar levels, thyroid tests, and an evaluation for rheumatoid disease may be suggested by your doctor to rule out other possible causes for any hair loss. A test for excessive androgen in your system is appropriate if the loss is sudden. As for managing the unwanted loss or growth, it is recommended you see a doctor to discuss possible lifestyle changes and medication options.

 

Lifestyle Changes

Suggested life style adjustments are a healthy diet, getting plenty of B vitamins (especially B6), enjoying a cup of green tea every day, losing some pounds, and trying shampoo that contains hyaluronic acid. These changes may help restore hair growth although it will take three to four months before you know. Even if taking these suggestions does not restore your hair, they are good habits for general well-being.

 

Stress hormones and insulin, if the levels are high, can cause an excess of androgen in the body. Reducing stress may lower the androgen enough to stop intrusive hair from peppering the chin. Walking, meditation, yoga, visualization, shooting some hoops, caring for a pet, swimming, playing with the grandchildren, and gardening are suggestions.

 

Medication

Medicinal options for menopause and post-menopause hair loss include a limited-term prescription for estrogen, Rogaine (minoxidil), steroids, or metformin (a drug often used with type 2 diabetes). All of these medications carry possible side-effects and should be discussed with your doctor.

 

Low Level Laser light treatments may be utilized to control hair loss and to promote healthy hair growth.   Laser therapy treatments can be conducted in an office environment with a hair loss professional. An FDA cleared portable laser can also be purchased for at home use. Meet with a qualified hair loss professional to learn more about your options.

 

 

We have learned so much over the years at Dermatex Hair in San Diego. We are happy and excited when we can change a person’s life.!

 

 

Dermatex Is Celebrating Our 25th Anniversary in San Diego!

We are proud to announce that Dermatex Hair in San Diego is celebrating our 25th anniversary at our location in San Diego. A quarter of a century….wow, that is a long time. And how things have changed in the hair loss world. The new innovations that have come along in the past few years have made it easier for men and women with hair loss to deal with this devastating affliction. Hair is now stylish again. Hair replacement in San Diego and hair restoration in San Diego have changed the way people perceive this problem. Dermatex has helped thousands of people over the years deal with their hair loss and make the day-to-day worry a thing of the past. Thanks to our great staff, who have been together for a long time, Dermatex offers the finest options in hair loss for men women. We have become nationally known as the “go to” place for hair replacement in San Diego. Many of our clients come great distances so that we can help them with their hair loss.

We are so grateful to our clients, many who have been with us for lots of years. We are blessed to have their confidence. Every day, we know that we have to exceed their expectations.

As a personal note, I would like to thank all of our clients and our staff for everything they have done and everything they do.

Here is to another twenty-five years!

 

Tuck Liskay